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During the November 15 Linden City Council meeting, the council agreed to post and begin accepting applications for a new police chief. Current police chief Robert Alston, Jr. was elected as Marengo County Sheriff in the November 8 elections.

Swearing in for Alston will be held in mid-January 2023. The council chose to post the position immediately to give applications time to be submitted and screened, and for the chosen applicant to receive required training. For those interested in the position, call 334-295-5051 or visit City Hall.

Rodney Raby was the single delegate of the meeting, and he asked the Council to consider financially assisting the re-launch of the Linden Pee Wee Football Team. Raby said there are children interested in playing pee wee football, but they have to travel to Sweet Water which isn’t always an option for some children.

Raby said he has received a quote for around $5,000 from Rydell to repair and recondition equipment. Mayor Gwendolyn Rogers said the Council would discuss Raby’s request and get back to him with a decision.

The Council also discussed Chilly Fest activities and whether or not to allow ATVs and golf carts to be a part of the parade. The Council recently announced that non-street legal motorized vehicles are no longer allowed on Linden streets, but that the parade could be the one exception. Councilmember Kelly Anthony said that if they made an exception for the parade, they would likely have to make exceptions for other situations. After discussion, the Council voted to not allow ATVs or golf carts in the parade. Councilmember Barbara Jackson voted in favor of allowing them, and Councilmember Vonda Wilson had no preference either way.

Other items discussed by the Council:

• Accepted a bid from Lewis General Contractors for resurfacing McNider, Caroline, Shiloh, and Wesley
• Council agreed to contribute $500 to the Linden Police Department’s Project Merry Christmas

The Linden City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.